When your partner calls Nil, your job changes. You're not trying to bid your true count anymore — you're the bodyguard. Every book that would otherwise fall on your partner is yours to take. That means bidding higher, playing more aggressively, and burning cards you'd normally save.
Bid to cover
The board rule says the team must bid at least 4. Since your partner bid 0, that's on you — bid 4 at a minimum. But bid what you can actually deliver. Underbidding here means you can't cover; overbidding means you get set.
Count your Guaranteed and Likely winners and bid slightly aggressive. You're going to play offensively anyway, so a 5- or 6-bid with a strong hand is normal.
Play the bodyguard game
When you play a book, you're playing for two: to make your own bid, and to grab books your partner would otherwise be forced to take. If your partner has to play into a heart lead and their lowest heart is a Jack, you need to be the one taking that book with the King.
That means playing your high cards early and aggressively. Don't save the Ace of Spades for a dramatic late reveal. Drop it early to strip out top cards and force the field to play into you.
Reading the danger
The opponents will lead suits they think your partner is short in — trying to force a cut. Watch what they lead. If they lead the same suit twice, they're probing for the sting.
If your partner plays a high card early on a Nil, they're telling you 'this card is dangerous and I'm getting rid of it now.' Take that seriously — cover the suit they just burned as aggressively as you can.
